JONATHAN HOBBS: Top-class racing continues in the greyhound world with Yarmouth the next port of call for open-race fans with one of the best-regarded and cherished competitions in the GBGB Calendar – the BresBet 75th East Anglian Derby – it’s live on Sky Sports Racing.
The event has been relaunched in 2021 with a new sponsor offering a tidy first prize of £15,000 but also the lure of also-ran money in the final of £1,000.
Therefore places in the semi-finals will be eagerly sought tonight, with a pot of gold – for all six finalists – on offer on gala finals night on Wednesday, September 15.
Six heats take place with the first three qualifying and, as ever, it’s a high-quality entry headed by defending champion Kilara Lion who tops a strong Patrick Janssens entry including Golden Sprint and Northamptonshire Sprint champion Bockos Jon Jo.
So let’s have a look at the heats ….
Yarmouth
7.16: Russian Blake has plenty to find on trial times in the opening heat but his devastating burst of early pace might soon put these rivals under pressure. John Mullins’ dog wouldn’t be the strongest of runners coming home but a lack of strong-running types in behind might help him keep the advantage. Dapper Rodney and Burnchurch Mick both trialled in well and a fast start for either puts them in the mix. They must avoid each other, however.
Play: Russian Blake
7.34: Heat two now and Ballymac Micko’s sprint pace could surprise these. Jim Reynolds’ tracker has been a star for the kennel for two seasons now and this step up in distance over what is a fast four bends could suit. That said Coolavanny Kyser and Blastoff Mason are both top-notch performers at best who take some holding if out-trapping Micko. That said the latter has trialled in well and might be open to improvement over this distance.
Play: Ballymac Micko
7.51: The locals will be keen on the chances of both Adamant Taurus, after his recent Romford runs, and the consistent Swift Cope, who ran well in the Derby. However Churchill Holly was very impressive in her last two races at Nottingham and, if keeping up that form after two subsequent trial spins, might be tough to hold. Lynn Cook’s bitch posted a fast 27.99sec over C&D last month and that sort of form catches the eye.
Play: Churchill Holly
8.06: This heat four features last year’s champion Kilara Lion and respect is certainly due after a decent prep spin and the draw inside can certainly work for him. It might be one of the weaker heats, however, so he’ll be plenty short enough – and the value might be King Bruno. Liz McNair’s dog has sprinter’s speed and could cut loose, with a recent sub-28 seconds trial catching the eye. Montrose picks up when others have cried enough.
Play: King Bruno
8.21: A cracking heat now features ante-post favourite with the sponsors Havana Class who looks to have a peach draw inside. The red-jacketed runner likely gets first run on Antigua Storm, but it’s the latter who’s fancied to come out on top. He needs to turn in a pitch but might wear down the leader as the leader as the race unfolds after some tremendous performances from Mark Wallis’s dog in the Sussex Cup and Gold Cup.
Play: Antigua Storm
8.36: The sixth and final heat of the BresBet 75th East Anglian Derby and one of the leading contenders goes for gold in Bockos Jon Jo – and should oblige. He has raw speed as one of the fastest dogs in training and, with two major wins on the card already, connections of Patrick Janssens’ dog will have high hopes of adding a third. That said any mistakes and Bubbly Magnum, who showed up well in the Derby, will need no second invitation.
Play: Bockos Jon Jo
Good luck all.
@Hobbsy67
